Shoppers Drug Mart and CMHA WW Raise $190,000+ During Annual Run for Women

May 17, 2024

The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW) and Shoppers Drug Mart welcomed 1,500 participants, 80 volunteers, and raised $190,000 on Saturday, May 11^th at Conestoga College – Doon Campus during the annual Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women. The event includes a 5km walk/run, 10km walk/run, or a 1km little steps for children under 12, as well as a Children’s Activity Area.

You can continue to fundraise and donate until July 1st and remember thanks to Staebler Insurance donations are being matched, so your money goes even further! Donate today! Or consider bidding on over 30 items through the Shopper’s Run for Women Auction – bidding concludes on June 22nd at 3pm. Please consider bidding on items or sharing this link with your network: https://airauctioneer.com/run-for-women-cmha-waterloo-wellington-2024

We couldn’t have put on this incredible event without our Shoppers Drug Mart partners and our local sponsors ATS Corporation, TOYOTA, and Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Guelph.

At the run, Vanessa Dreyer, a CMHA WW Family Council member shared her experience about receiving support from CMHA WW for her daughter. “CMHA WW was a “lifeline” to us when our child was in major crisis. I want to give back to the community organization that had provided us all with critical supports when we needed it and didn’t know where to go for help or what to do next. There was a lot of shame, guilt and so much stigma around mental, that’s what I found the most challenging,” Dreyer said.

“I think a lot of women take on that caregiver role. I wanted to be strong for my loved ones but I can’t be any good to them if I’m falling apart myself.” It was when she made that realization she decided to seek help.

Dreyer’s experience is one of many, especially among women.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, nearly a quarter of women don’t access help because they’re unsure where to get it. This, despite 47 per cent being considered high risk for developing mental health disorders compared to 36 per cent of men.

The statistics only reinforce the firsthand experience Helen Fishburn has had as the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Wellington.

“We know women end up carrying a lot of the stress and pressures and many women are juggling jobs outside of the home, while doing a lot of the coordinating inside the home,” Fishburn said.

“This is why the Shopper’s Run for Women is so important. Every dollar raised through the stays local, CMHA WW CEO Helen Fishburn says, with it supporting women in crisis, those with eating disorders and individuals in early need of psychosis support. The run gathers like-minded people hoping to end the stigma around mental health for good.”